Diseases reference index «Health screening - women - age 18 - 39»

All adults should visit their health care provider from time to time, even if they are healthy. The purpose of these visits is to:

Screen for diseases

Assess risk of future medical problems

Encourage a healthy lifestyle

Update vaccinations

Maintain a relationship with a doctor in case of an illness

Information

Even if you feel fine, it is still important to see your health care provider regularly to check for potential problems. Most people who have high blood pressure don't even know it. The only way to find out is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Likewise, high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels often do not produce any symptoms until the disease becomes advanced.

There are specific times when you should see your health care provider. Age-specific guidelines are as follows:

Blood pressure screening:

Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless it is 120-139/80-89 Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.

Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your health care provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies.

If the top number (systolic number) is greater than 130 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is greater than 85, call your doctor.

If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.

Cholesterol screening:

By age 45, women should be checked every 5 years.

If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be monitored more closely.

Dental exam:

Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.

Eye exam:

If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every 2 years.

Immunizations:

After age 19, you should have a tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (TdAP) vaccine as one of your tetanus-diphtheria vaccines one time. You should have a tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.

Your doctor may recommend other immunizations if you are at high risk for certain conditions such as pneumonia.

Physical exam:

You should have two physical exams in your 20s.

During the first exam, ask to have your cholesterol checked. Other blood tests are not necessary for healthy young people.

Your height and weight should be checked at every exam.

Breast self-exam:

Women may do a monthly breast self-exam.

Women should contact their health care provider immediately if they notice a change in their breasts, whether or not they do breast self-exams.

A complete breast exam should be done by a health care provider every 3 years for women age 20-40.

Pelvic exam and Pap smear:

Screening should start within 3 years after first having vaginal intercourse or by age 21.

Beginning at age 21, women should have a pelvic exam and Pap smear every 2 years to check for cervical cancer.

If you are over age 30 or your Pap smears have been negative for 3 times in a row, your doctor may tell you that you only need a Pap smear every 3 years.

Women who have had a total hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) may choose not to have Pap smears.

Women who are sexually active should be screened for chlamydia infection. This can be done during a pelvic exam.